Tottenham sign Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for €60m

Published Jul 22, 09:29 AM UTC

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Tottenham Hotspur has officially announced the signing of Dutch central defender Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion for an estimated €60 million (£52 million). The 26-year-old has signed a long-term contract and will reunite with his former Brighton manager Roberto De Zerbi, now at Tottenham. Van Hecke, who established himself as a key Premier League defender over four seasons at Brighton, played 36 league matches last season, starting every appearance. The transfer is part of Tottenham's extensive defensive rebuild after a difficult season. Van Hecke is expected to form a partnership with fellow Dutch international Micky van de Ven. The player cited his relationship with De Zerbi as a key factor in his decision to join the London club.

Source report

By: Valentin Feuillette

Tottenham Hotspur has secured its new defensive centerpiece. The London club officially announced the arrival of Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton & Hove Albion, signing the Dutch central defender to a long-term contract.

After several weeks of negotiations, the Spurs reached an agreement to bring in the Dutch international for an estimated transfer fee of €60 million (approximately £52 million).

Player Profile

At 26 years old, Van Hecke leaves Brighton after four seasons marked by steady progress in the Premier League. Arriving in England following his early career in the Netherlands, he established himself as a key figure for the Seagulls thanks to:

Solidity in duels
Technical quality
Ability to build play cleanly from the back

Last season, he played 36 Premier League matches, starting every appearance, confirming his status as a reliable defender at the highest level.

Reunion with De Zerbi

This transfer carries special significance, as Van Hecke will reunite with Roberto De Zerbi, his former coach at Brighton. The Italian manager, now on the Tottenham bench, played a major role in Van Hecke's rise to the top level and sees him as a perfect fit for his playing principles.

Welcome, Jan Paul van Hecke! 🤍 — Tottenham Hotspur (@SpursOfficial) July 22, 2026

Defensive Rebuild

The Spurs continue their extensive defensive rebuild after a difficult season, betting on a player already experienced in the Premier League who can integrate quickly alongside Micky van de Ven, his teammate on the Dutch national team.

Van Hecke expressed eagerness to begin this new chapter and cited his relationship with De Zerbi as a key factor in his decision to join London.

With this signing, Tottenham confirms its great ambitions in this transfer window and adds another key figure to a squad undergoing transformation.

Published: 07/22/2026 — 11:25 | Updated: 07/22/2026 — 11:26

Source

Foot Mercato : Info Transferts Football - Actu Foot TransfertWestern

Original headline: Tottenham casse la tirelire pour Jan Paul van Hecke

Original language: FR

Part of this Story

Tottenham Signs Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for €60 Million

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People and interests

Tottenham Hotspur Brighton & Hove Albion Premier League